How do I "register" so I can safely transport locksport pics

[stugreenleaf]

In CA they are considered burglary tools. Sad because I want not to be concerned as I'm not up to anything nefarious...

[Squelchtone]

In CA they are considered burglary tools. Sad because I want not to be concerned as I'm not up to anything nefarious...

You can become a licensed locksmith, or you can just keep your picks at home and enjoy picking locks on the couch, there's really no really great reason to have a pick set on your person, but you know what.. we all did it. I know I had mine in my jeans pocket for the first year, i just really liked knowing I had picks on me, but that was in 2006. But I didnt do anything that would have gotten a cop with in 100 yards of me to even ask me my name let alone search my pockets, so it depends on your other hobbies and habits. And age.. if you're 16 with picks in your pocket, versus 30 and picks in your pockets.

Carrying a practice lock cylinder or two with you at all times helps show that you like doing it for fun and as a puzzle.

[Robotnik]

I have only studied the legal ramifications of lockpick possession in my home state (Oregon), so the following is applicable based only on that.

While the state considers lock picks burglary tools, it is contingent upon their proving intent. To that end, a crowbar, screwdriver, or any such implement is considered a burglary tool in the wrong hands. Cops pull you over with tryout keys, picks and a trunk full of questionable car stereos, that's one conversation, whereas picks, a pin kit, a couple cylinders and a locksmithing textbook is an entirely different one.

Basically, be smart about it. For example, when I was going around shooting photos of locks for the ongoing Lock Hunt contest, I had no picks or bypass tools on me. That would have looked terrible if someone happened to take issue with my photography. I keep things strictly legitimate, and only transport picks if there's a prevailing reason to do so.

Again, I live in a different state and am not a lawyer, so take all this for what it's worth. Best of luck!

[stugreenleaf]

Thanks. That's good advice and I've learned to take such advice.

More specifically, I'm beyond the point of passing interest, having read all I come across about locks and am (hopefully not unhealthily) FASCINATED with both their workings and amazing history. I've even begun down the slippery slope of collecting older locks, especially pin tumblers and padlocks. Also have invested in a number of picks, a lot of bench time, and begun fashioning some of my own NDE stuff. Local friendly locksmith keeps me supplied with "useless" discard cylinders and other bits. Useless indeed...

What I really want to do now is get involved in a community of like-minded people and to get "licensed". It's just that nobody seems to wish to talk about it or provide information to a "civilian". Security through obscur...

Any suggestions, caveats or nudges in the right direction would be helpful.

I'm getting pretty good at this and intend to learn and become exceptionally good. Abloy good. And the only way to do that, I believe, is to surround yourself with follks more clever, skilled and experienced than myself.
And so I joined this forum just this afternoon. Appears an apt and diversely skilled and open community. Pretty cool. I thank anyone in advance for some guidance.

[blue60]

if you are looking for like minded people checkout the sub form for local meetups and if there is not a meetup start one
also check and see if there is any TOOOL meeting's near you.

[capt.dunc]

what we did when we had a lock club here, is anyone coming to it would be carrying spare locks, and a sheet which listed the current locks in the club rotation (members would record which locks they'd opened, and tools and technique (spp, raking, mixed approach)). all members would be emailed with the club start time and location, so they'd have a record of the event to confirm their story if they were stopped. any member carrying picks, out with club time or off route from home to meeting would be on their own as far as we were concerned. there's no need to carry them and it doesn't make you cool.

[stugreenleaf]

Thanks guys. I believe I will indeed start a local chapter. Never done something like this but why not!

It may only be me at the start ...but at least there will be minimal arguing over voting and event scheduling. Plus I may even win a prize!

Thanks for the tips.

Any other ideas or suggestions (or missteps to avoid) in holding these things will be most welcomed (crowd control, parking shuttles, etc.).

Suppose it will be in Temecula, CA. Date, time and location TBA...

I'm liking this already

[Squelchtone]

Thanks guys. I believe I will indeed start a local chapter. Never done something like this but why not!

It may only be me at the start ...but at least there will be minimal arguing over voting and event scheduling. Plus I may even win a prize!

Thanks for the tips.

Any other ideas or suggestions (or missteps to avoid) in holding these things will be most welcomed (crowd control, parking shuttles, etc.).

Suppose it will be in Temecula, CA. Date, time and location TBA...

I'm liking this already

Not sure if you have not seen my reply, but it is going to be quite a task to start your own club and gain momentum. Why not join a very well established one in San Francisco run by the folks at TOOOL (blue60 suggested this as well) viewtopic.php?f=19&t=60075&p=442173#p442173

[stugreenleaf]

That's would be great except it's about about six or more hours from here.
San Diego is closer. Perhaps I'll consider there. I hope there is a Toool contact there.
I have left messages of their site, but no response...

[Squelchtone]

That's would be great except it's about about six or more hours from here.
San Diego is closer. Perhaps I'll consider there. I hope there is a Toool contact there.
I have left messages of their site, but no response...

They're at Shmoocon right now. and I thought you were from Petaluma which is close to SF. I misread the city name in your other post, my mistake!

Squelchtone

[stugreenleaf]

No problem. I am about 45 min out of San Diego though and don't mind the drive (usually).

I'm a little old-school for a 45-year old, and this is the first time I have used a messaging form such as this. It kinda neat. Wish I'd figured this out sooner. I'd probably be a lot hipper and cooler. These really are useful and as I read the myriad of other threads in your forum. Practical and helpful people. Lot more functional than other forums I've found. Very little immature or pointless bickering and such praddle. Nice.

If you or whomever else catches wind of SD regional info, please advise. I am now looking everywhere I can figure for organizations and activities in the area.

In and around a cicy such as SD, there must certainly be locksport activity.

Thanks again for the responses. I assume it is you who admins this forum. It is amazingly extensive and certainly better organized than most I've now found.

And thanks again for the help, all.

[allan501]

I have only studied the legal ramifications of lockpick possession in my home state (Oregon), so the following is applicable based only on that.

While the state considers lock picks burglary tools, it is contingent upon their proving intent. To that end, a crowbar, screwdriver, or any such implement is considered a burglary tool in the wrong hands. Cops pull you over with tryout keys, picks and a trunk full of questionable car stereos, that's one conversation, whereas picks, a pin kit, a couple cylinders and a locksmithing textbook is an entirely different one.

Basically, be smart about it. For example, when I was going around shooting photos of locks for the ongoing Lock Hunt contest, I had no picks or bypass tools on me. That would have looked terrible if someone happened to take issue with my photography. I keep things strictly legitimate, and only transport picks if there's a prevailing reason to do so.

Again, I live in a different state and am not a lawyer, so take all this for what it's worth. Best of luck!

I believe the law up here is basically the same. Even if carrying picks is an automatic felony a lot of times the system will cut you some slack if you look harmless.

Remember that looking harmless means getting people to pigeon hole you with a harmless label. No matter how legitimate your story if they catch you at night with lock picks, a balaclava, and a pillow case you look like a burglar to them.

The flip side is if it is the middle of the day and you have a small toolbox with various tools, maybe a pin kit, some precut keys, a couple locks and a greasy locksmith book they will probably believe you when you say you are teaching yourself locksmithing. (You DON'T want to emphasize that you want to specialize in opening locks)

[stugreenleaf]

Thanks alan501, capt.dunc, blue60, robotnik and squelchtone.
Just back from Mexico. I will post a great lock I had to buy.
It is a Phillips padlock. These are perhaps the worst locks imaginable. Pretty sure if you make any sudden moments they will open.
The fun part is that under the Phillips logo is "ASSA ABLOY".
This seems paradoxical to me as such a crummy lock is using perhaps one of the world's finest manufacturer's name blatantly. Wrong font as well. That bugs me too...

[sentientsentinel]

If you need to travel with lock picks and you don't know the laws or don't know how to assert your rights I have a suggestion put your picks in a tool box and lock it this will require a warrant to search.A civil rights attorney once said when dealing with roadside revenuers you should.
1.Shut up
2.shut up
3.shut up some more
I hope this helped someone.

[stugreenleaf]

Thanks. You guys have made very clear the answer to my question.
Thank you again...do appreciate it.